The United States and Japan will step up their defence cooperation to deal with the threat from nuclear-armed North Korea as tensions in East Asia remain high, officials from the two allies said on Thursday.

Titans lawyers to seek case dismissal

Several current and former Gold Coast Titans, including State of Origin stars Greg Bird and Dave Taylor, are facing a variety of possession and supply charges following an investigation into a cocaine smuggling ring by Queensland's Crime and Corruption Commission.

Mr Nyst told the court delaying the matter further would have a negative impact on his client's professional sporting career. Falloon's current contract with the Titans expires at the end of the 2015 NRL season.

Mr Nyst accused the QCCC of being "missing in action" when it came to responding to his requests to have the matter urgently dealt with.